List of positions | American Football Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia [ show ] Offense The offensive team or football is the team that begins a play from scrimmage in possession of the ball.A play usually begins when the quarterback takes a snap from the center and then either hands off to a back, passes to a receiver or a back, or runs the ball himself. The object of the offensive team is to score points for their team. Usually the sign that their goal is accomplished for the offensive team is the touchdown . However, the offensive team can also help the team score by getting good field position for an attempt at a field goal . The offensive unit in American football consists of a quarterback, linemen, backs, tight ends and receivers. The function of most of the linemen is to block. The offensive line consists of a center, two guards, two tackles and one or two tight ends. Backs include running backs (or tailbacks) who frequently carry the ball, and a fullback, who usually blocks, and occasionally carries the ball or receives a pass. The primary function of the wide receivers is to catch passes. The ultimate makeup of the offense and how it operates is governed by the head coach or offensive coordinator 's offensive philosophy.

Center—the center performs the normal blocking functions of all linemen and is the player who puts the ball in play by means of the snap. Guard—the two guards are the offensive linemen directly on either side of the center and inside the tackles. Like all interior linemen, their function is to block on both running and passing plays. On some plays, rather than blocking straight ahead, a guard will "pull" - moving around behind the other offensive linemen upon the start of the play - in order to block a player on either side of the center, in an inside running play called a "trap" or an outside running play called a "sweep". Offensive tackle—the offensive tackles play on either side of the guards. Their role is primarily to block on both running and passing plays. The area from one tackle to the other is an area of "close line play" in which some blocks from behind, which are prohibited elsewhere on the field, are allowed. For a right-handed quarterback, the left tackle is charged with protecting the blindside, and is often faster than the other offensive linemen to stop 'speed rushers' at the Defensive End position.

Like a guard, the tackle may have to "pull", on a running play, when there is a tight end on his side. The description above of the guard and tackle positions apply only to a line that is balanced (has equal numbers of players on both sides of the player who is to snap the ball). In an unbalanced line, there may be players designated "guard" or "tackle" next to each other. Offensive linemen cannot catch or run the ball in most circumstances. Except for the snap by the offensive center as each play from scrimmage starts, ordinarily the only way an offensive lineman can get the ball during a play is by picking up a fumble . On rare occasions offensive linemen legally catch passes; they can do so either by reporting as an eligible receiver to the referee prior to the snap or by catching a pass which has first been deflected or otherwise touched by an eligible receiver or a defensive player. Any other touching of the ball by an offensive lineman will result in a penalty. Tight end—tight ends play on either side of, and immediately next to, the tackles. They are a mix between a blocker and a pass receiver. If an end moves away from the tackle, he is called a split end.

Modern formations typically have one end tight and one split end. Many modern formations forego tight ends and replace them with wide receivers. Sometimes a formation is referred to as having "three tight ends", which in reality means an additional blocker (a wingback or an eighth lineman) has been substituted for a wide receiver, as in short-yardage situations. Wide receiver—the wide receivers are speedy pass-catching specialists. Their main job is to run pass routes and get open for a pass, although they are occasionally called on to block. A wide receiver may line up on the line of scrimmage and be counted as one of the necessary 7 players on the line in a legal formation (a split end), or he may line up at least one step behind the line of scrimmage and be counted as being in the backfield (a flanker if he is on the outside, a slot if he is not). There are generally two types of wide receivers, "speed" and "possession". A speed receiver's primary function is to stretch the field, be a deep threat, and to not allow the defense to bring an eighth man near the line of scrimmage to discourage or defeat rushing plays.

A possession receiver is generally the more sure-handed of the two types and is used to keep possession of the ball by making catches that gain first down yardage, but he usually lacks the speed to attack a defensive backfield. Fullback—positioned behind the middle of the line, a fullback may do some running, some blocking, and some short receiving. A classic fullback is more of a power runner than a running back. Many modern formations do not use a fullback. Most plays utilizing the fullback call for him to block, generally by running up the middle of the line, clearing a path for a running back to use. Running back—the modern term for the position formally called "halfback". The running back carries the ball on most running plays and is also frequently used as a short-yardage receiver. Running backs, along with the wide receivers, are generally the fastest players on the offensive team. Most of them tend not to run straight ahead, preferring to make quick cutbacks to try to find holes in the defense. This, however, is a generalization, since some running backs are more power-oriented. "Fullback" is now regarded as a separate position from running back, with a substantially different role (especially in the NFL).

Tailback (TB)—a running back that is positioned behind the middle of the line and deepest of all backs. H-back—a position that was popularized by Joe Gibbs during his first tenure with the Washington Redskins , the H-back is a hybrid position that combines the skill sets of fullback, tight end, and even wide receiver. An H-back lines up similarly to a slotback—but deeper and not as wide—and frequently serves as a blocker for a more deeply positioned back. Wingback—a player positioned just outside the outermost tight end, the wingback is slightly offset from the line of scrimmage which designates the position as wingback rather than tight end. The wingback is typically used in extreme blocking situations or unbalanced offensive formations. Slotback—a player positioned just outside the outermost offensive lineman, the slotback is slightly offset from the line of scrimmage which designates the position as a slotback rather than a tight end. The slotback is a typical position in flexbone formations and other Triple Option formations. Quarterback—typically the quarterback is positioned to take a snap handed between the center's legs.

However, recent usage refers imprecisely to a player who is positioned behind the center at any distance, calls signals, is not the usual punter or place kick holder, and usually takes the snap as "quarterback" regardless of exact position, because those functions have typically been performed by quarterbacks. Typical play from formations where the quarterback takes the snap proceeds by the quarterback either handing the ball off to a running back to run, throwing the ball downfield, or running personally. Teams can vary the number of wide receivers, tight ends and running backs on the field at one time. Football rules limit the flexibility of offensive formations. Seven players must line up on the line of scrimmage, and only the two at the end are eligible to catch passes. Sometimes, offensive lineman can declare eligibility and become "tackle eligible." This variation was first used by former Niner Head Coach Bill Walsh , who used tackle Guy McIntyre as a receiver. A few years later tackle William Perry scored a touchdown in Super Bowl XX . Jumbo Ellott and Dan Klecko are two other tackles who have caught touchdowns while being tackle eligible. Defense The defensive team or defense is the team that begins a play from scrimmage not in possession of the ball.

The object of the defensive team is to prevent the other team from scoring. The sign that the defensive goal has been accomplished is a 4th down, which usually involves punting the ball. Unlike the offensive team, there are no formally defined defensive positions. A defensive player may line up anywhere on his side of the line of scrimmage and perform any legal action. However, most sets used in American football include a line composed of defensive ends and defensive tackles and (behind the line) linebackers, cornerbacks, and safeties. Defensive ends and tackles are collectively called defensive line, while the cornerbacks and safeties are collectively called the secondary, or defensive backs. Defensive end (DE)—the two defensive ends play on opposite outside edges of the defensive line. Their function is to attack the passer or stop offensive runs to the outer edges of the line of scrimmage (most often referred to as "containment"). The faster of the two is usually placed on the right because that is a right-handed quarterback 's blind side. Defensive tackle (DT)—(sometimes called a defensive guard), defensive tackles are side-by-side linemen who are between the defensive ends.

Their function is to rush the passer (if they can get past the offensive linemen blocking them), and stop running plays directed at the middle of the line of scrimmage. A defensive tackle that lines up directly across from the ball (and therefore, is almost nose-to-nose with the offense's center) is often called a nose tackle or nose guard . The nose tackle is most common in the 3-4 defense and the quarter defense. Most defensive sets have from one to two defensive tackles. Sometimes, but not often, a team will employe three defensive tackles. Linebacker (LB)—linebackers play behind the defensive line and perform various duties depending on the situation, including rushing the passer, covering receivers, and defending against the run. Most defensive sets have between two and four linebackers. Linebackers are usually divided into three types: strongside (Left- or Right- Outside Linebacker: LOLB or ROLB); middle (MLB); and weakside (LOLB or ROLB). The strongside linebacker usually lines up across from the offense's tight end; he is usually the strongest LB because he must be able to shed lead blockers quickly enough to tackle the running back.

The middle linebacker must correctly identify the offense's formations and what adjustments the entire defense must make. Because of this, the middle linebacker is nicknamed the 'quarterback of the defense'. The weakside linebacker is usually the most athletic or fastest linebacker because he usually must defend an open field. Cornerback (CB)—typically two players that primarily cover the wide receivers. Cornerbacks attempt to prevent successful quarterback passes by either swatting the airborne ball away from the receiver or by catching the pass themselves . In rushing situations, their job is to contain the rusher. Safety (FS or SS)—the safeties are the last line of defense (farthest from the line of scrimmage) and usually help the corners with deep-pass coverage. The strong safety (SS) is usually the larger and stronger of the two, providing extra protection against run plays by standing somewhere between the free safety and the line of scrimmage. The free safety (FS) is usually the smaller and faster of the two, providing variable and extra pass coverage. Typically, a team will have a safety who also has a reputation of being a hard hitter, as evidenced by Mark Carrier, Rodney Harrison and Bob Sanders, John Lynch, and Sean Taylor to name a slim few.

More recently, teams are looking for hybrid safeties who can do both jobs, as in a cover 2 defense, the strong safety has a greater role to play in coverage. Safeties are also used in a variety of blitzes. Nickel - and Dime - backs—in certain formations one extra (a fifth) defensive back (called a nickel defense), two extra (a sixth) DB (called a Dime package), or even three extra (a seventh) DB called a Quarter may be used to augment the backfield or defensive line. Nickelbacks, dimebacks, and Defensive Quarterbacks are usually used to defend pass plays with extra receivers, but they can also be used to rush quarterbacks or runningbacks more quickly than linemen or most linebackers can. A starting cornerback who is good at blitzing and tackling will sometimes be referred to as a nickelback to distinguish them from cornerbacks. Special teams Special teams are units that are on the field during kickoffs, free kicks , punts , and field goal and extra point attempts. Most special teams players are second- and third-string players from other positions. Special teams are unique in that they can serve as offensive or defensive units and that they are only seen sporadically throughout a game.

Special teams include a kickoff team, a kick return team, a punting team, a punt blocking/return team, a field goal team, and a field goal block team. There are also specialized players on these teams, including: Punt returner (PR)—returns punts. Gunner —player on kickoffs and punts who specializes in running down the field very quickly in an attempt to tackle the kick returner or the punt returner. Wedge buster —player whose goal is to sprint down the middle of the field on kickoffs. While ideally, their goal is to reach the kick returner, their immediate goal is to disrupt the wall of blockers (the wedge) on kickoffs, preventing the returner from having a lane in which to get a substantial return. Being a wedge buster is a very dangerous position since he may often be running at full speed when coming into contact with a blocker. Because these aspects of the game can be so different from general offensive and defensive play, a specific group of players is drilled in executing them.

Though fewer points are scored on special teams than on offense, special teams play determines where the offense will begin each drive, and thus it has a dramatic impact on how easy or difficult it is for the offense to score. For the purposes of scoring in fantasy football, points scored on special team returns are typically credited to the defense.

Player Numbers by Position Player Numbers by Position (NFL Rule 5, Section 1, Article 4) All players must wear numerals on their jerseys in accordance with Rule 5, Section 3, Article 3c (see NOTE 1), and such numerals must be by playing position as follows: quarterbacks, punters, and placekickers, 1-19 (and 10-19 for wide receivers if 80-89 are all otherwise assigned); running backs and defensive backs, 20-49; centers, 50-59 (60-79 if 50-59 unavailable); offensive guards and tackles, 60-79; wide receivers and tight ends, 80-89; defensive lineman, 60-79 (90-99 if 60-79 unavailable); and linebackers 50-59 (90-99 if 50-59 unavailable). If a player changes his position during his playing career in the NFL and such change moves him out of a category specified above, he must be issued an appropriate new jersey number.

Any request to wear a number for a special position not specified above (e.g., H-back) must be made to the Commissioner. During the preseason period when rosters are larger, the League will allow duplication and other temporary deviations from the numbering scheme specified above, but the rule must be adhered to for all players during the regular season and postseason. Clubs must make numbers available to adhere to the rule, even if it requires putting back into circulation a number that has been retired or withheld for other reasons. See 7-2-3 for reporting change of position. (Note 2) NOTES: 5, 3, 3c has to do with the size and placement of the numerals 7, 2, 3 rules regarding notifying the referee of eligibility if wearing and ineligible number for a position. Basically, any player wearing an eligible number at a pass receiving position (running backs, tight ends, and wide receivers) can play any eligible pass receiving position without reporting to the referee. That is, running backs can line up as wide receivers or tight ends, and players wearing wide receiver and/or tight end numbers can line up in the backfield without having to report to the referee.

In summary: American Football Monthly - Inside Linebacker Play & Progression American Football Monthly © April 2006 Like any position on the football field there are a lot of different ways to prepare your players for game days. Of course linebackers are the backbone of almost every type of defensive scheme. They are involved in every run and pass play and must have the skill to find the football on every play. Since there are so many multiple defensive schemes a linebacker must be ready to line up in a three point stance and stop the run or line up against a flanker and cover against the pass. Therefore, todayï¿½s linebackers must have the strength of a defensive lineman and the speed of a defensive back. With this said, there are other qualities that I look at when evaluating players to fit the role of todayï¿½s linebackers. Each linebacker must meet certain qualities that we hope every student/ athlete strives to maintain. They must have character, intelligence, dependability, attitude, intensity, and be a leader (always ready for a challenge and follow the 3 Tï¿½s- Tradition, Talent, Training). Once you have established these types of characteristics in your players it is time to start teaching them the game of football.

I have broken down my practice progression into six parts, with each section being emphasized every day. They are as follows: 1. Key Reads 4. Delivery of Blow (DOB) 5. Pass Drops/ Coverage 6. Tackling Of course, each task depends on the offensive play and the defensive call. So the trick is to have your linebackers prepared for every situation. The first phase of practice is to teach your linebackerï¿½s Key Reads (See Diagrams 1-7) and explain why the first step is the most important aspect to getting to the football. Key Reads are broken down into down, base, pull, zone, scoop, and pass blocks and LBï¿½s have to learn how each block can get them closer to the ball. All drills are taught progressing from one step to three steps to game flow. The theory behind key reads is the read what coaches call the triangle: 1. read guard to 2. running back to 3. 3rd threat / Tackle, Tight End, Center, Crack Back Blocks. Diagram 1. LB progression: Key Reads Down Blocks (See Diagram 2) ï¿½ Step away and play downhill Diagram 2.

Down Blocks ï¿½ Step away and attack hard Diagram 3. Base Blocks Pull Block (See Diagram 4) ï¿½ Step with and find flow of back ï¿½ Fast flow ï¿½ flow hard downhill and donï¿½t allow cutback ï¿½ Slow flow- shuffle flow and donï¿½t over pursue Diagram 4. Pull Block Zone Block (See Diagram 5) ï¿½ Step with and work up to the next level ï¿½ LBï¿½s must flow together to not allow cutback ï¿½ Must recognize RB flow (fast & slow) Diagram 5. Zone Block Scoop Block (See Diagram 6) ï¿½ Step with using short initial step and read RB flow ï¿½ This is the one read offenses used to give LB a false read; therefore it is important to teach your LB to just use key reads for your first step, and then they must find the RB flow. Diagram 6. Scoop Block Pass Block (See Diagram 7) ï¿½ False step / know coverage drop / drop to your zone ï¿½ I will discuss pass drops later in this article Diagram 7.

Pass Block The second and third phase of practice is to teach the difference between fast and slow flow and how the pursuit depends on the RB flow or the direction of the play. As I mentioned above LBï¿½s must pursue the football depending on the action of the play. This is why I am going to go into the third phase of my progression to help understand all types of pursuit and how LBï¿½s flow depends on each movement of the running back. Remember, play together as a unit and realize that each LB might be seeing a different read and flow depending if they are the play side or backside LB (See Diagrams 8-11). Direct Flow (Iso, dive) - See Diagram 8 ï¿½ Use what I call plug pursuit ï¿½ See the hole and fill it ï¿½ Keep outside arm free and close down inside gap Diagram 8. Direct Flow Fast flow (power, belly, option) (See Diagram 9) ï¿½ Scrape and fill ï¿½ Keep outside arm free and maintain gap responsibility Diagram 9.

Fast Flow Slow Flow (backside LB against stretch, option) - See Diagram 10 ï¿½ Shuffle looking to scrape forcing the RB to head outside ï¿½ Do not allow cutback Diagram 10. Slow Flow ï¿½ Backside LB shuffle, looking to fill backside ï¿½ Play side LB could see fold block (Tackle-down, guard pull to the outside) ï¿½ Pass flow (3 step, 5 step, play action, boot, sprint out) ï¿½ Key is teach LBï¿½s to get to their drops according to the coverage called. Diagram 11. Counter Flow The forth phase of LB play is to teach them how to take on blocks through a progression of drills I call D.O.B. (Delivery of Blows). Each D.O.B. pertains to the different type of flow the LB will see, teaching LBï¿½s the different techniques involved with defending a blocker (See Diagrams 12-13). Push & Pull Technique (See Diagram 12) Diagram 12.

Push-Pull Technique ï¿½ LBï¿½s must get hands in position on blocker to get them ready to scrape off block ï¿½ Outside hand on blockerï¿½s outside shoulder, Inside hand on the middle of blockerï¿½s chest ï¿½ Used with slow flow (Zone) to allow LB to stretch the play or to force RB to cutback. ï¿½ Can use either rip technique or pull technique to get off blocker Reduce & Rip (See Diagram 13) ï¿½ LB must be prepared to rip though a block ï¿½ Reduce means to explode on moment of contact with inside foot up, collision with inside shoulder. On the moment of contact short step with the outside foot and rip with inside arm. ï¿½ IMPORTANT to get outside foot up, helps to fight pressure with pressure. ï¿½ Used against fast & direct flow (power, ISO, dive) Cut blocks - ï¿½ LB must learn to play with their hands ï¿½ Used on every play depending on offensive schemes. Diagram 13. Reduce and Rip/Cut Blocks The fifth phase of practice is to teach LBï¿½s the proper way to drop into pass coverage.

Of course each defense uses different coverageï¿½s and alignments when it comes to pass coverage. At this time I will explain a couple of our pass drops, when to use them, and what types of techniques are used. (See Diagrams 14-17) Hash Drops (HTC - hook to curl) - See Diagram 14 ï¿½ Drops should be 8-10 yards on the hash, or take away the hook to curl zones. We just use hash marks as a dropping point. ï¿½ Drops change depending on ball location (right, middle, left) ï¿½ We use these drops more in cover 3 looks ï¿½ The key technique is to open to receiver strength to take away 1st threat. Diagram 14. Hash Drops Stab Drops (See Diagram 15) ï¿½ Used when other LB is blitzing or in certain cover 2 looks ï¿½ Short stab- 8 yards in the middle of the field looking for TE dumps, drags, screens. ï¿½ Deep stab- drop to the middle of field, keep going trying to take away backside post and to help the safety.

ï¿½ The key techniques are to use swivel hips turning on QB eyes and remember that the only thing that stops my drop is when the football is thrown. Diagram 15. Stab Drops Replacement Drops (See Diagram 16) ï¿½ Used when an outside LB is blitzing, can be used with a zone blitz concept. ï¿½ We use a + alignment, which means to take one step back and 2 steps over. ï¿½ The key technique is to teach LB to buzz to their 1st threat to replace where the OLB would have been. Once the area is clear drop into your normal zone. Diagram 16. Replacement Drops Contain Drops (See Diagram 17) ï¿½ Used against the roll out or bootleg. ï¿½ Play side LB will attack the QB, keep him to our inside, while backside LB will replace into the hook to curl coverage area (Watch for drag and never chase, stay in your zone) Diagram 17. Contain Drops Finally, the last phase and probably the most important phase is tackling. We do our own tackling progression like all coaches do.

Just remember it is important to teach your players proper technique and not to think that your players know how to tackle. Do it everyday and do not be afraid to keep it simple. No matter what drill you use teach LBï¿½s proper angles, head placement, correct body position, and to never leave there feet (teach them to run through the ball carrier and that takedowns only score point in wrestling). Once you feel your Linebackerï¿½s have the just skills necessary to understand the simple techniques involved you can begin to design your drills using several phases of progression techniques. I hope that this article gave a little insight on playing inside linebacker and how important it is to teach any position in progression. There is no right or wrong way when it comes to the great game, it is just important to teach your scheme, so that it becomes instinctual and your players are prepared. Remember ï¿½PRACTICE PREPARATION PREVENTS POOR PERFORMANCEï¿½. NEW!

Get the Manual Football 101: Linebacker Assignments and Alignment | Bleacher Report Football 101: Linebacker Assignments and Alignment By Matt Miller , NFL Draft Lead Writer Jun 7, 2012 Use your ← → (arrow) keys to browse more stories Doug Pensinger/Getty Images 22 Comments The play of the linebacker position has captured the eye of NFL fans since the first days of the game. Even today, almost 100 years later, the position remains one of the more exciting positions in the game, but how many fans truly understand the differences between the three or four linebackers on the field at a time? Football fans are smart individuals, but there is more to the game than the average fans sees on every down. In the "Football 101" series, you'll get a look at the assignments, plays and schemes that make the game of football so diverse, complicated and intricate. Today we'll take a look at the what the differences are between a weak-side, strong-side and middle linebacker in basic NFL schemes. 4-3 Defense In a 4-3 defense there are three linebackers on the field in a base set.

These are broken down into a weak-side, strong-side and middle linebacker. Where they line up on the field is based on which position they play. A base 4-3 defense against a three wide receiver offense The different linebacker positions are broken down by the alignment of the offense. Our strong-side linebacker (SLB) will line up across from the side of the offense—starting at the center—which has the most players on that side. If the number is equal, we count men on the line of scrimmage. As a general rule, the SLB will line up across from the tight end if each side has the same number of personnel. Just as the strong-side linebacker goes on the side with the most players, the weak-side linebacker (WLB) goes on the side with the fewest. And as you may have guessed, the middle linebacker (MLB) goes in the middle of the two. New York Giants in a 4-3 defense, with SLB ready to blitz The assignments of the players may vary within each scheme, but it is most common for the "Sam" linebacker (strong-side) to be a better pass-rusher, due to his alignment most often across from the tight end.

This makes our "Will" (weak-side) linebacker more of a coverage linebacker. 3-4 Defense Like the 4-3 defense, in a 3-4 the alignment of the four linebackers is based on their weak- or strong- side designation—at least in a base defense. A base 3-4 defense against a basic three receiver offense The 3-4 defense's principles are much like a basic 4-3, only there are two middle linebackers as opposed to one. The SLB is still a pass-rusher first and foremost, but in a 3-4 defense the WLB is also a pass-rusher in most schemes, although it is very common for the WLB to be used in pass coverage as well. Teams like the San Francisco 49ers are bending that philosophy by utilizing both outside linebackers as heavy pass-rushers. It's easy to think of the 3-4 defense this way: The outside linebackers are blitzers; the inside linebackers are "jack-of-all-trades" men who must stop the run, rush the passer and drop back in pass coverage.

You will also see middle linebackers labeled as "Mike" and "Ted." The "Mike" linebacker is a classic middle linebacker, but the "Ted" 'backer fills a role much like a fullback. His job is to step up first and take on blockers, freeing a path for the "Mike" 'backer to make tackles. The 2011 San Francisco 49ers in their base 3-4 look There are also teams running a 3-4 defense, like the 2011 Green Bay Packers, who do not choose to designate between weak and strong side, instead going with a simple "left outside linebacker" and "right outside linebacker" alignment. Here's a very quick look at how you can remember each position's most common use: Sam—Better tackler. More commonly used as a pass-rusher. Tight end side. Will—Fastest of the three. Generally better in coverage. Slot receiver side. Mike—Captain of the defense. Makes play calls. Must be able to tackle, blitz and cover. As with any defense in the NFL today, coordinators are constantly changing the rules in an effort to stay one step ahead of offenses.

These are meant to give readers a basic understanding of formations and terminology and are not intended to be thought of as the only way to run a defense. Have a topic you want to see covered in the Football 101 series? Let me know on Twitter @nfldraftscout. American Football Monthly - Developing Physical Linebacker Play American Football Monthly © Vol VI 2015 From my standpoint, the greatest compliment our defensive staff can receive is at the end of the game having the opposing coach say how hard and physical our guys played. Playing hard is something that every coach demands from their team. Playing a physical style necessarily is not. If we do not practice being physical, how can I expect my guys to come out on Saturday and play physical? We try and recruit naturally physical kids, but we all know sometimes it does not work out that way. Over the years, we have seen that the drills we have practiced have increased our physical play. While concentrating on LB play, these same drills are utilized with our defensive backs and defensive linemen. At the linebacker position, we stress that we have to be as physical with the wide receivers as we are with the offensive linemen.

As linebackers, we do not want to change gears depending on who we are going up against. We teach having the same mentality if you are closing the power run or jamming a WR. From a defensive perspective, we are a gap controlled aggressive defense. Our linebackers are taught to use their eyes to gather information and react off that information. If they initially read run, they get to their gap. In the pass game, we do not drop to spots, we drop to people. It is a matchup zone concept. We rely heavily on our backers being able to locate who they need to cover and making sure that their route is not run the way it is supposed to be. We practice a ton of jam drills, as well as a ton of fit drills. We ask our players to be aggressive and ask them to be physical. They cannot worry about making mistakes because they become slow, non-physical players. We have a saying, ï¿½I am not asking you to be perfect - I am asking you to be right.ï¿½ If our players see something on the field and react in a football physical way, how can it be wrong?

Often, we want to get on our players for doing it wrong instead of finding out why they did it that way. If they are not seeing what we are seeing, it is our job to make sure they understand where their eyes need to be. These next 5 drills are practiced at least twice a week. During camp it may be every other day. Every one of these drills has a competition component to them. To make sure we are going hard and making each other better, there is always a winner and a loser. Depending on how we are practicing, the punishments vary. Mirror Drill (Diagram 1) Objective - To not let our opponent get past the line and score. On field objective - Learn to strike opponent and control where they go. Used in WR jams as well as with OL jams. Drill A. Start with two cones five yards apart. You can change the distance, sometimes getting to nine yards. B. LB starts with heals on the line in ready position. The rabbit starts 2-3 yards in front of him. C. Rabbit has roughly 15 seconds to score as many times as he can. No use of hands or Bull Rush to start the drill. D.

If a rabbit scores three times itï¿½s over and LB loses. If LB holds the rabbit out for the 15 seconds, it is over and the rabbit loses. E. We also will do this with two LBs and two rabbits - this adds a communication element to the drill. F. Rabbits should not wait on the LB. If he can score, he should score. Remember, competition is key. G. There are times where we will let the rabbits use their hands and a bull rush. Coaching Points ï¿½ Get feet and hands to work together along with understanding where you need to jam your opponent. You want to jam high and concentrate on the shoulders. Too many times we see hand placement low around the midsection or waist and it hinders your strength. ï¿½ Footwork is key to a linebacker. This drill helps to cut down on wasted motion as well. Do not shuffle but slide. You do not want to get over extended or step in place. You never want to touch feet. You only cross feet if you are forced to run. ï¿½ This drill forces your feet and hands to work together. You want to strike your opponent with optimum force.

OL Rapid Fire Gap Drill (Diagrams 2A and 2B) Objective - Control your gap by striking three opponents in a row. On field objective - for middle linebackers and stacked outside backers to simulate a OL coming to the second level now while still maintaining your gap control. Drill A. Start with two cones five yards apart. B. LB starts in the middle of the cones. Three rabbits are stacked three yards from line of scrimmage. C. LB is told prior which side is his gap to protect. D. On the command, the first rabbit comes to block the LB choosing which side which is his choice. E. Once the LB secures his gap, he reloads to center and another ï¿½GOï¿½ is given and the next rabbit goes. Do three at a time. Coaching Points A. Cone on the sideline and a cone at the numbers. B. LB starts in the middle of the cones facing the sideline. C. On the go, the rabbit is trying to get past the LB. The rabbit can go high or low. D. LB locates the rabbit and prevents him from getting past him. Coaching Points ï¿½ Determine a coverage prior to the drill.

ï¿½ In your zone coverages you do not want to get on top of the receiver so if you miss, you miss on the low side. In man to man you do not have help over the top so if you miss, you miss on the high side. Knowing the coverage allows the LB to know where to attack and force his jam. We stress on knowing where your help is. ï¿½ Do this drill with two LBs and two rabbits as well. This is great practice for cover 2 responsibilities with different route combos. ï¿½ Make sure you do the drill to both sides. NEW! Get the Manual The 5 hardest college football positions to recruit - SBNation.com The 5 hardest college football positions to recruit Evaluating five-star cornerback Jabrill Peppers, a Michigan commit, isn't all that hard, but how about others at his position? Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports As difficult and humbling as the task of repeatedly making sales pitches to overly confident high schoolers is, doing so is absolutely necessary. There are only so many blue-chippers, and every other coach wants them just as badly as yours does.

Rather than trying to win every high-stakes recruiting battle in sight, schools must also work unbeaten paths looking for gems that other programs missed or didn't bother chasing. As they survey the fruited plains, they run into the second major difficulty in recruiting. How do you determine which of these standouts in small town squabbles will become Achilles if thrust onto a national stage against other players who were also local heroes? Do you look for the physical measurables and hope to be able to coach the needed fundamentals and technique? Or do you look for the players that understand the game, then attempt to strengthen and condition them into the athletes they need to become? Either way, evaluation is a tricky business that's compounded by the scarcity of talent. Judging based on the criteria of scarcity and evaluation, a few positions stand out as particularly challenging to recruit. Unless you're Nick Saban, it might not be terribly difficult to find a soccer player who can parlay his leg into field goal skills, but it will always be difficult to keep your lines stocked and to find the right pieces for your passing game. Goodbye to 2013 The BCS died in Pasadena 5.

Defensive linemen Scarcity: Edge-rushers aren't that hard to find, but strong-side defensive ends, nose tackles, or three-tech defensive tackles? The bigger a player's body needs to be to play his position at the college level, the smaller the reservoir of available talent. Consequently, defensive linemen are one of the hardest positions for recruiters to find , let alone project. In many schemes, defensive linemen need to possess the athleticism and awareness to read the opposing lineman's block, plus the explosive power to beat that block. The defender whose size and athleticism allow him to withstand a double team, control and exploit gaps in the run game, and collapse the pocket on pass plays is a precious jewel. Sometimes these players are longer guys who pack muscle weight on their extensive limbs, such as LSU's Ego Ferguson or Notre Dame's Stephon Tuitt , and sometimes they're stockier kids with a lot of power and a quick step, like Pitt's Aaron Donald or Virginia Tech's Derrick Hopkins. In any case, players with both the necessary athleticism and the strength to be difference-makers aren't common. No.

1 defensive lineman Myles Garrett, Texas A&M commit Evaluation: A kid who's 6'2, 280 pounds and able to run down a receiver from behind will always draw in scouts, regardless of where he plays his high school football. The trickier evaluations come when projecting where players will end up after a few years of college strength and conditioning. How will the big, college-sized kids respond when their job duties go from bullying 200-pound offensive linemen and rag-dolling running backs to fighting for their lives against 600 pounds of upperclassmen? How much weight will that particular frame pack on in college? Will that feisty, quick, 6', 260-pound defensive tackle grow into a 6'1", 290-pound all-conference contender in the mold of Donald? No? You've just wasted a roster spot. Will the 6'6, 260-pound defensive end stay that lean and quick in college ? No? Then does he have the mentality to become a defensive tackle tangling with guards, or is he set on the glory of chasing sacks?

Many teams structure their defenses to limit their dependence on dominant linemen who can plug the run on first and second down and then rush the passer on third. Some will load up on quicker linemen who they can help out with stunts, or they target tough, crafty kids and teach them to make a pile while linebackers seize the glory . Bill Snyder at Kansas State has managed to field good defensive lines by choosing already grown players from the JUCO ranks and developing overlooked or undersized high school kids. 4. Tight ends Dalton Schultz, Stanford commit Evaluation: When a high school coach finds himself with a 6'5, 240-pound athlete and feels the team can afford to put him out at tight end rather than on the offensive or defensive lines, that still hardly means that the offense will use or develop the tight end to the fullest extent. If the team has a great running game, that tight end isn't going to put a lot of examples of great routes on his highlight tape. He might not have a quarterback who can get him the ball regularly.

If it's a spread passing team, that tight end might get flexed wide to block for screens and run routes, but get less action trying to hook an outside linebacker in the run game. Great tight ends are almost entirely projected and developed at the college level. Texas fans need both hands and a few toes to count the number of big wide receivers who were expected to move inside to tight end and didn't pan out, or bigger blockers that didn't have the hands and running ability to impact the passing game. Stanford has had great success by taking tall kids with experience receiving and molding them into blockers through their hard-nosed culture. But even Stanford didn't have a tight end amongst its top receivers in 2013. 3. Cornerbacks Scarcity: Every team needs more than two starter-quality cornerbacks these days, but that doesn't mean that the ideal cornerback is a common type of human. Despite his smaller size, the elite cornerback often has traits that don't show up in the genetic lottery in combination very often. Corners who play tight coverage have to respond to cuts and movements with a major time deficit. The receiver already knows where he wants to go on the field, but the cornerback isn't totally sure until it happens.

Consequently, the cornerback has to have rapid acceleration in order to close distances created by cuts and moves. That kind of acceleration is generally found in shorter players, with a few exceptions that prove the rule , because long legs spend more time in the air and aren't as suited to changing direction. However, when the ball arrives, that smaller cornerback has to be able to compete in the air with the receiver, who might be 6'5 like Mike Evans. That means longer arms, great anticipation, and a short memory are all prized traits. For press coverage, long arms are also a must to jam and re-route receivers. No. 1 cornerback Adoree' Jackson, uncommitted Evaluation: Many of the best corner prospects don't face quarterbacks who have the arm and freedom to attempt to beat coverage downfield until college, if even then. High school coaches facing great coverage corners are generally disinterested in having a young quarterback throw at them. Why have an 11th-grade quarterback throw to a receiver -- who might not be a disciplined route-runner -- being covered by the blue-chip guy all the college coaches are here to see? Why not pick on that shorter, slower kid on the other side?

While seven-on-seven leagues and summer camps help, recruiters don't often get a chance to see elite cornerback instincts and awareness on display in a game situation. And great cornerbacks don't always play as much cornerback in high school. When a high school has a 5'11 kid with exceptional change of direction and blazing speed, that kid is often going to be handed the ball on offense and asked to score points. How does he do with his footwork, his hand placement, his awareness? Can he turn his hips? Who knows? But he just put a nice move on that linebacker. Michigan State dominated opponents in 2013 playing press coverage with a pair of cornerbacks rated as two-star prospects. One of them, Darqueze Dennard , is on track to be drafted in the first round in 2014. Finding these players is very much an inexact science. Much more recruiting Loads of star scouting reports 2. Quarterbacks Scarcity: There were 125 FBS teams in 2013, but there was only one Jameis Winston. And there weren't enough Braxton Millers to fit on the teams who couldn't find a Winston.

Most college offenses are designed to be less-dependent on having transcendent passers than NFL offenses are, but every team is still hoping to land one. That makes competition for the promising ones exceptionally fierce. Scouts frequently get caught up in whether a quarterback has the arm strength and mechanics to throw certain routes and whether he has the athleticism to make plays off-schedule. These are some of the few essential traits that are easy enough to spot from film or camps. But the ability to lead a team? Make audibles and calls at the line? Process information after the snap? Put time into film study and understand how to evaluate opponents for weaknesses? See the field clearly while feeling pressure in the pocket? Stay calm under tremendous pressure? These traits are more rare. They don't automatically turn up in the bodies of players who have all the desired physical traits. No. 1 quarterback Kyle Allen, Texas A&M commit Evaluation: Most quarterbacks are products of their systems, and projecting high schoolers into those systems can be a challenge. What if you find a prospect with a great arm, but his high school runs the flexbone offense? What if his high school team has future scholarship quarterbacks ahead of him and he doesn't play until he's a senior ?

Few high school offenses ask their quarterbacks to make the level of reads and throws that are required in college systems. The intangible traits of a great young quarterback are even harder to discern. The pressure on recruiters to get their quarterback choices correct can't make the process any easier. Quarterbacks are often the first big stars to commit and thus lead their recruiting classes, so recruiters are snapping them up before their senior seasons. You're choosing the leader of your team of 18- to 22-year-olds based on his performance as a 16-year-old. We saw this play out in June during this cycle , when schools further down the food chain were forced to wait on the five-stars to make their decisions. Since a school won't typically take more than one quarterback per class, most teams have to both hurry and wait. Once on campus, quarterbacks that don't get chances to play early often jump ship, as did 13 of the top 18 prospects from the 2010 class . That puts greater pressure on coaches to get the takes right, lest they end up having to start a player who shouldn't have been on scholarship .

Teams that have success recruiting and developing quarterbacks usually choose players based on the needs of a strongly developed system, sometimes tinkering for players with particular exceptional abilities . Teams that attempt to build around future pro quarterbacks, like USC traditionally does, are at huge risk of boom-or-bust cycles if they miss evaluations or have to start underclassmen. 1. Offensive linemen Scarcity: Every offense is designed to involve at least five players from one of the world's smallest gene pools: the tall, heavy, and quick-footed. Defensive linemen are often more athletic and sometimes similarly sized, but their responsibilities on the football field are considerably different. An offensive lineman has to have the agility to get in front of blitzing linebackers along with the powerful base necessary to stand his ground when facing a defensive tackle with an explosive first step and 310-pound frame. Every offense is designed to involve at least five players from one of the world's smallest gene pools. Work on the offensive line is generally very technical and involved, requiring the ability to learn and master skills.

While defensive linemen needn't necessarily be the brightest players on the field to understand how they fit into a scheme, offensive linemen have to work carefully in tandem with great awareness of their pre-snap plan along with how that will change when the bullets start flying. You also need a portion of nastiness. When the action gets heavy, it's helpful if the offensive linemen are scrappers who like to intimidate the smaller defenders paired across from them. The huge, powerful, tall, quick, crafty, and cruel athlete is not one of the more common varieties. And he'll probably need long arms and a wide butt, too. No. 1 offensive lineman Cameron Robinson, Alabama commit Evaluation: Most offensive linemen are not 6'5, 300 pounds coming out of high school. Among 2014's 25 blue-chip tackles on the 247Sports Composite, only 10 are already listed at 300, and lesser prospects are likely to be smaller. That means projecting the future frames of 16- to 18-year-olds and those players' willingness to pack on the needed weight and power (if that sounds easy, consider that 2013 No.

1 NFL Draft pick Eric Fisher gained 70 pounds in college after weighing 250 as a two-star prospect). And that takes time. The instances of freshmen starting on offensive lines are particularly rare, as a good line is usually built with upperclassmen. Coaches hope most linemen will emerge ready to contribute after two or three years in the program. Like on the defensive line, it's not uncommon to find players with necessary size who were happy to bully smaller players in high school, but less wiling to embrace the massive amount of discipline, energy commitment, and threshold for pain necessary to find success. Much like Andrew Bynum on the hardwood, some kids play football in high school because they are 6'4, 280 pounds and it comes easily, not because they particularly love the game. Coaches have to be able to tell the difference. Other kids struggle to keep on the needed weight to withstand power rush moves or drive back determined defenders. In addition to training, class, film, and games, linemen have to eat about 5,000 calories per day . If they suffer injuries, it can be hard to keep the needed weight on while rehabbing.

Injuries are not at all uncommon for offensive linemen who have to navigate both the chaos in the trenches along with the risks that come from their own girth. It's simply very hard to be both a healthy person and a 300-pounder . Evaluating kids for injury risk, the willingness to face hard coaching and challenging scenarios, and the ability to master the techniques and assignments on the line with rebuilt bodies is one of the more challenging tasks in recruiting. Given how few of these massive kids with truly exceptional athleticism exist, offensive line is the most challenging position to recruit. As you watch and hope for your team to snag that prize, five-star running back, keep in mind the real prizes in a recruiting class. The ones that don't come so easily.

Question: Which position in American Football is denoted by the letters 'LB'?
Answer: LINEBACKER